What are dental implants?
Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. If you have a tooth that is broken or failing and needs to be removed, a dental implant can provide a replacement that closely resembles your natural tooth.
What happens after a failing tooth is removed?
When we remove a failing tooth, we will usually perform a bone graft to preserve as much of the bone that supported the original tooth as possible.
After the area has healed, we can place a dental implant, which is a titanium screw that replaces the tooth root. We then allow the implant to heal for several months, usually three to four months, before placing the crown on top of it.
What is the dental implant procedure like?
The procedure is relatively simple. We work to keep you comfortable throughout the process, and most people adapt well and feel as though they have their natural tooth back.
What are the benefits of a dental implant?
One benefit of a dental implant compared with another fixed prosthetic option is that it stands on its own. Unlike a bridge, it does not involve the neighboring teeth.
Sometimes, we replace a missing tooth with a bridge by reducing the neighboring teeth and attaching a three-unit restoration to replace the missing tooth. This option depends on the condition and support of the neighboring teeth.
The advantage of an implant is that we do not need to involve the other teeth. With an implant and crown, it can feel as though your natural tooth has been restored.
Can I still get a dental implant if my tooth has already been removed?
If your tooth has already been removed and you are still considering a dental implant, placement may still be possible. Because bone can shrink over time, we would first need to evaluate the area.
Here at Smiles of Chesapeake, we have a dental CAT scan that allows us to measure the bone and determine if there is enough support for an implant. We can measure the height and width of the bone to within a fraction of a millimeter and let you know if you are a good candidate for implant replacement.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (757) 665-2474 or email [email protected] with any questions.
Missing teeth can have a negative impact on your oral health and your confidence. Here at Smiles of Chesapeake, we want to make treatment as affordable, efficient, and accessible as possible for all of our patients.
If you have missing teeth, you may feel the need to hide your smile. Unfortunately, tooth loss is not only a cosmetic concern; it can also cause issues when biting or chewing. Large spaces in your mouth due to missing teeth will cause other teeth to shift, which creates misalignment issues. The loss of teeth can also cause jaw deterioration over time. This is why dental implants are so important. They can help not only restore your confidence, but also improve your oral and overall health.
The patient had 14 months of traditional bracket orthodontic care. In addition, she had single implants placed and an implant bridge placed.
Dental Implant Options:
- Single-Tooth Replacement: A dental implant is an excellent solution for replacing a single missing tooth. Its permanence and durability give it an edge over any other option and it will look and feel very natural.
- Multiple Teeth Replacement: In a case where multiple teeth need to be replaced, Dr. Moreno may place an individual implant or an implant-supported dental bridge.
- Full Mouth Replacement: Strength, performance, and support while chewing are all factors that should be taken into consideration when replacing your teeth.
- Mini-implant supported dentures: Mini-implants are smaller than traditional implants. They also require less bone tissue to remain stable.
Could Dental Implants Help You?
Compared to other treatment options, dental implants are fairly intensive. If your natural teeth are still intact, Dr. Moreno will assess the benefits and risks of extracting and replacing teeth versus saving them. There are cases where a root canal and crown are the better alternative to an extraction and dental implant.
If you are missing teeth due to injury or decay, surgical implants may be the solution. Listed below are common reasons why dental implants may be recommended at Smiles of Chesapeake:
- Patient is missing enough teeth to require dentures
- Decay is too severe to fill the tooth
- Patient has had a few teeth come out
- Patient has been considering getting dental bridges or crowns
- Patient needs a full smile restoration
A good candidate for dental implants should be in general good health overall and have minimal oral health issues, which includes having healthy gums. Implants and other artificial teeth will not be subject to decay. However, the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can still be present, which means you should maintain strong dental hygiene habits.
Complimentary Implant Consultation
During your complimentary consultation at Smiles of Chesapeake, Dr. Moreno will review your dental and medical histories and conduct a physical exam of your teeth and mouth. An X-Ray will be required to evaluate your teeth and underlying jawbone to make sure there is enough bone structure to support the implant.
Our team is here to answer any of your questions and discuss your implant treatment plan. Our goal is to make sure you feel comfortable moving forward with the process of implant placement and to give you the beautiful smile you deserve.
Our implant consultation is valued at $168, but we will conduct this consultation for FREE! Here is what to expect from your appointment:
A personal implant consultation with Dr. Moreno where we will find out if you are a candidate for dental implants. We will take digital X-Rays, screen you for advanced oral cancer, and evaluate TMJ and your overall bite. We will then go over a written treatment plan and review your treatment options. We will discuss pricing, how long the procedure will take, and the steps you will need to take to get the best results possible. We are here to answer any questions you might have and guide you every step of the way.
Single-Tooth Replacement
The permanence and durability of a dental implant makes it an ideal solution for replacing a single missing tooth. No other replacement method comes close to restoring a long-lasting, natural smile, especially if the surrounding teeth are healthy.
Multiple Teeth Replacement
If multiple teeth must be replaced, but not the full mouth, Dr. Moreno will place an individual implant or an implant-supported dental bridge. Both solutions will improve chewing strength and look and feel natural.
Full Mouth Replacement
If you are looking to replace all of your teeth, Dr. Moreno recommends individual dental implants, fixed implant-supported bridges, or implant-supported dentures to give you a full, beautiful, and functional smile.
Mini-implant supported dentures
Mini implants are often used in situations where there is limited space or bone volume, making them suitable for patients who may not be candidates for traditional implants due to bone density issues or anatomical constraints. They can be used to support crowns, bridges, or dentures, providing stability and functionality similar to traditional implants.
High-tech Implant Dentistry
3D X-rays with Our State-of-the-Art Cone Beam Scanner
State-of-the-art 3D Cone Beam technology is used to capture 3D images of your jaw, teeth, and skill. This technology is done using a cone-shaped X-Ray beam that allows Dr. Moreno to view the images from every angle and plan your implant surgery in advance.
Cone Beam CT scanners use far less radiation than traditional X-Rays or medical CT scanners.
Bone Grafting and Other Preparatory Procedures
In cases where bone has been lost through periodontal disease or a missing tooth, there may be a need to increase the amount of bone in a patient’s jaw. This will ensure that there is sufficient bone available to support the dental implant.
This is done through a process called bone grafting, a safe and effective procedure that builds up bone on the jaw by adding a small amount of bone from the patient, a donor, or synthetic bone. Dr. Moreno will use the material best suited for each patient.
Dental Implants in Chesapeake
Dental implants give you the option to have a smile that is both functional and attractive. This is a permanent solution for patients who are missing teeth and want to restore their natural look and improve their ability to talk and eat. At Smiles of Chesapeake, Dr. Moreno uses her extensive experience and education of implant treatment to create this effect.
Each of our patients are unique and important to us! That’s why we want to offer a free consultation visit to help our patients make an informed decision.
Every patient is different. Not everyone has the same reason for choosing implants. Contact us at (757) 665-2474 for a consultation so that you can make an informed decision.
We would like to get to know you and discuss your dental goals, history, and health. Then, we will go over available treatment options to address your concerns. We want you to leave our office feeling welcomed by our team and confident in your smile.